Chiff Chaff

by David Barnard

‘This is all about the Orkney Islands. Sodden and Gomorrah. Beauty and evil. Orkney noir.’

Alexander A. Alexander doesn't have a watch, doesn't have a faether. Ephraim doesn't need a faether but needs that watch. Mister Flett has something they both want. Poor Mister Flett?

‘There is nowhere as uncomplicated and crystal clear and as pure as Orkney.
There is nowhere as mysterious, as dark and as filled with menace as Orkney.’

In this original book, David takes stock of life through the eyes of 16-year-old narrator Alexander A. Alexander in part one, ‘Chiff’, and then as a 27 year old in part two, ‘Chaff’. The book takes readers on a comedic and childlike journey with twists and turns and teases like the West Mainland coast road. The breathtaking Orkney landscape is the main character in this novel. With the richness of its wildlife, mythology, Neolithic past and centennial First World War commemorations, Orkney is no ordinary set of islands.

Inspired by Flann O’Brien’s The Third Policeman published 50 years ago, Chiff Chaff is a murder thriller and a reflection on personal morality. But beneath the surface it explores themes of entitlement and greed and self regard and need for recognition and above all for hope of a brighter tomorrow.

What a strange, confusing book! Yet it won me over. Once I stopped trying to make linear/literal sense out of it, and just went with the flow, I experienced a charming -yet very odd- adventure. Overall, I enjoyed it very much.

by Janice Bell

I did enjoy this book, and particularly because of the poetic, beautiful language. The Orkney setting is beautiful, and the touches of humour are nicely done. I would recommend this book.

by Gillian

Buy as a printed book

£9.99

2 customer reviews

Also by David Barnard / Related Books

Contemporary

Chiff Chaff

by David Barnard

Contemporary

'O' is for Orphan and Optimist

by Drew Harrington

Contemporary

Strawberry Sundaes at the Rockhopper Café

by Tony Hopes

Contemporary

Fifty Minutes

by Julie Webb

Contemporary

Prisoner 537

by Elizabeth Lister

Contemporary

The End of the Pier

by James C. Lee

Contemporary

Faces of Villain

by Zachary Yaple

Contemporary

The Descent

by Gonca Alban

Contemporary

The House of Solitudes

by Fausta Garavini (translated by Jennifer Radice)

Contemporary

Running Home

by Brenda Shaw

Contemporary

The Last Dance

by Carolyn McCrae

Contemporary

Never Mind The Botox: Rachel

by Penny Avis and Joanna Berry

Keep in touch

Stay connected with Troubador on our social media feeds. Keep up to date with Troubador news and our latest author news.

Troubador is an independent UK publisher which also offers a self-publishing service through Matador. We enjoy the business of publishing, and strive to make the most of our authors’ titles using our 25 years’ experience. We are constantly adding to our author services using new production, distribution and marketing opportunities.